International Day of Peace

Hundreds in Bellingham gather every year on September 21 in solidarity with people around the world for International Day of Peace. The Howard Harris Lifetime Peacemaker Award is given out, along with a speech from a keynote speaker and a musical performance.

In 1982, the United Nations declared this day an annual worldwide 24-hour cease-fire to envision what our world can look like without weapons, violence, and oppression. In July 2010, Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike signed an official proclamation declaring September 21 International Day of Peace in Bellingham.

The Whatcom Peace & Justice Center calls on our government and society to disavow policies of violence and seek a culture of peace.